Alexander Zaborovsky

Alexander Zaborovsky

Soviet scientist, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Date of Birth: 25.05.1894

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Career in Geophysics
  3. Establishment of Geophysical Faculty and Courses
  4. Development of Seismic Exploration Techniques
  5. Later Work at MSU
  6. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Alexander Ignatievich Zaborovsky was born in 1899. In 1913, he graduated from the 11th Saint Petersburg Gymnasium and enrolled in the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at Saint Petersburg State University. However, due to financial hardship, he completed only four years of study.

Career in Geophysics

Magnetic Observations and KMA Studies

In 1917, Zaborovsky became a magnetologist with the Compass Division of the Main Hydrographic Administration. In 1918, he was appointed head of the Magnetic Station of the Compass Division. In 1919-1926, under the direction of the Hydrographic Service, he conducted magnetometric surveys in the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (KMA). He collaborated with renowned scientists such as P.P. Lazarev, A.D. Arkhangelsky, I.M. Gubkin, and O.Yu. Schmidt. Together, they performed the first complex geophysical surveys using magnetic and gravimetric methods in the KMA, revealing significant iron ore deposits.

Establishment of Geophysical Faculty and Courses

In 1923, Zaborovsky created and taught a course in magnetic exploration at the Moscow Mining Academy. In 1929, he began teaching courses in exploration geophysics at Moscow State University (MSU), where he played a pivotal role in training specialists in this field. From 1930-1954, he served as head of the newly established Faculty of Geophysics and the Department of Geophysics at Moscow State University of Geological Prospecting.

Development of Seismic Exploration Techniques

In 1926, Zaborovsky worked on the theory of refracted mintrop waves for seismic exploration. His findings were published in the "Journal of Applied Physics."

Later Work at MSU

From 1968-1976, Zaborovsky held a professorship at MSU. From 1944-1949 and 1954-1968, he was head of the Department of Geophysical Methods at MSU's Geological Faculty.

Legacy

Zaborovsky's scientific contributions played a pivotal role in the development of exploration geophysics in the Soviet Union. His textbook, "Geophysical Methods of Exploration," became the first Soviet textbook on applied geophysics. He founded the Moscow geophysical school and trained many prominent geophysicists.

Zaborovsky passed away in Moscow on April 25, 1976. He was laid to rest in the Kuntsevo Cemetery.

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